‘Austra Hind-22’: India-Australia joint military exercise begins in Rajasthan

The inaugural edition of the bilateral military exercise Austra Hind 2022 between the Indian and Australian armies has begun at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on November 28. The joint military exercise consists of joint training operations in semi-desert terrain under the peace enforcement mandate of the United Nations (UN).

The prime focus of the military exercise is to build positive military ties between the two countries and imbibe each other's military tactics to operate together.

According to an official statement from the Defense Ministry, this is the first exercise under the "Austra Hind" with all arms and services contingents from both armies participating.

“Aim of the exercise is to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations in Semi deserts terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate,” the Defence Ministry statement said.

Dogra regiment troops are representing the Indian Army in the joint exercise with the Aurtralian army.

Notably, the ‘Austra Hind’ will be an annual affair and will be conducted alternately in India and Australia.

The Defence Ministry said that both armies, through the joint exercise, will share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for carrying out tactical operations at the company and platoon levels for neutralizing hostile threats.

During this joint military exercise, both armies will train on new generation equipment and specialist weapons, including snipers, surveillance, and communication equipment for a high degree of situational awareness, as well as casualty management, evacuation, and planning logistics have been planned.

Both the armies will engage in various tasks, including joint tactical drills, joint planning, sharing the basics of special arms skills, and raiding a hostile target.

Apart from promoting interoperability and understanding between both the armies, the joint military exercise will also strengthen India and Australia, the Defence Ministry said.

The Austra Hind 2022 will conclude on December 11.